Well heeled party lovers keep their party very 'secret'
AN invite lands in my inbox for a secret party. The dress code is over the top smart, no black or white. I am more stumped by the secret party bit.
Apparently it's one of the hottest parties to attend, but you are not allowed to tell anyone. That's the golden rule. Seriously!
But of course, the more you tell people not to do something, the more they do it.
The party, called the Mansion Ice Party, was hosted in Linksfield, Jozi, two weeks ago and it was packed to capacity with over a thousand guests. So much for keeping it a secret.
These parties have taken place in Miami, LA, New York, London, Cape Town and Johannesburg.
But their biggest membership is in the city of gold. Yet it's so hush-hush the brand goes by Please Don't Telland no one knows how to become a member or where the concept originates from.
I ask around and am told this "secret society" started 10 years ago and has gained momentum since.
The organiser says he hosted his first party at a nightclub about 13 years ago and hasn't let up since.
But he's shifted his focus to the more affluent: the CEOs, celebrities, politicians, millionaires and even billionaires. In fact, 75% of the attendants fall under the "rich" umbrella. Perfect opportunity for a single girl to meet a loaded man and retire young.
After parking our cars about 5km from the house, we are shuttled by executive buses to the mansion. Did I mention that you need a password to get in?
There are those who opted to drive there, and they decorate the entrance with their fancy cars. I spotted the rarely seen Maybach 62 S and the McLaren MP4-12C. Wow!
Most guests are dressed to kill. The ladies look uber superficial in designer brands - and there's nothing fake about their clothes.
At least 250 people are turned away, firstly because the venue couldn't accommodate anymore people; secondly, some plus-ones were not on the list, and thirdly, because of failure to adhere to the dress code, some people rocked up in sneakers and skinny jeans.
The organisers hand-picked just over 800 primary guests and allowed one friend per member.
This is one place where bribes don't work, it doesn't matter if you play golf with the president!
It's so strict that no photos are allowed to be taken at these events.
The mansion is an example of amazing architecture. Standing outside one has a breathtaking view of Joburg down below - the stuff you see on Top Billing .
Next, my eyes are drawn to the lush garden where a handful of people are enjoying drinks - expensive drinks too.
Upstairs there's a sparkling blue pool and a bar next to it.
The music - techno beat - is pumping and the dance floor is rarely empty.
But it's not all about partying and showing off wealth as charities benefit from these parties. This time, the Sandton SPCA benefitted generously from food and monetary donations .
I didn't get much time to party as I was busy introducing myself and collecting business cards. The guys are friendly and warm.
Five hours and a bottle of Fusion Caramel Vodka later, I say my goodbyes and think: I need to tell someone about this!
I'm told there will be another one in Cape Town soon. I wonder if I'll score an invite? But I still don't know why it's kept secret!
derek.abdinor4
Where's my invite?
TKay
I wanna be in that party too
